Temple stampede in India; at least seven dead, dozens injured

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: The incident occurred this morning (Monday) when thousands of people had gathered around the temple to worship on the third Monday of the religious month of Sawan.

 

According to published reports, the situation quickly became critical with the sudden increase in the number of pilgrims and the breaking of barriers around the temple. Initial reports suggest that a fallen electricity pole and rumors of live wires among the crowd may have caused panic and the stampede; but local officials say the exact cause of the incident is still unknown.

 

The injured in the incident have been transferred to nearby hospitals and are undergoing treatment. The incident comes as the Hindu month of Sawan is one of the holiest months of the year, when millions of pilgrims flock to temples across India to perform religious rituals. However, poor crowd management at some of these sites has occasionally led to human tragedies. In July, a similar incident at a temple in Uttar Pradesh left at least six dead. Local authorities said an investigation has been launched into the cause of the incident.